Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner is praised for its masterful character development and sharp social commentary. Critics highlight the novel's witty prose and insightful explorations of modern relationships. However, some found the narrative structure disjointed and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Readers who appreciate Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner often enjoy introspective, character-driven narratives. Fans of Tom Perrotta's Little Children or Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections will find its exploration of modern relationships, midlife crises, and social satire compelling and thought-provoking.

Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner follows Toby Fleishman, a hepatologist in his 40s, navigating the challenges of parenting and professional life after his ex-wife Rachel unexpectedly leaves their children with him and disappears. While juggling his responsibilities, Toby also explores romantic relationships through a dating app.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional

- Fleishman Is in Trouble is Taffy Brodesser-Akner's debut novel, and it garnered a nomination for the National Book Award for Fiction in 2019.
- Before writing Fleishman Is in Trouble, Taffy Brodesser-Akner was well-known for her profiles and feature writing, including work published in The New York Times Magazine.
- The adaptation of the novel into a limited series was developed by FX, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Claire Danes, highlighting Brodesser-Akner's successful transition from novelist to screenwriter.

**Toby Fleishman**  
A doctor in his 40s navigating the challenges of a recent divorce, balancing his career, parenting two children, and exploring new romantic interests through a dating app.

**Rachel Fleishman**  
Toby's ex-wife and a successful talent agency founder, whose sudden absence creates a tumultuous period for her family, challenging her determination to balance work and family life.

**Hannah Fleishman**  
Toby and Rachel’s 11-year-old daughter, who struggles with her mother's disappearance and the impact of her parents' divorce, leading to acting out in risky ways.

**Solly Fleishman**  
The 9-year-old son of Toby and Rachel, who is sweet and supportive to his father, handling the familial changes more quietly than his sister.

**The Narrator (Libby)**  
A college friend of Toby, a former journalist who narrates the story while reflecting on the complexities of adult friendships, marriage, and parenthood.

**Seth**  
Toby's college friend, a bachelor known for his charm, who experiences a shift in his priorities as he plans to settle down with his love interest, Vanessa.

**Sam Rothberg**  
Rachel's romantic interest, a wealthy and superficial man who provides a glimpse into a lavish lifestyle that Rachel is drawn to but struggles with.

**Nahid**  
Toby's primary romantic interest from a dating app, a married woman planning to separate, whose interactions with Toby reveal the dissonance between fantasy and reality.

**Cyndi Leffer**  
A friend of Rachel’s and mother of one of Hannah’s friends, representing the wealthy social circle that Rachel aspires to join.

**Miriam Rothberg**  
Sam’s wealthy and influential wife, whose social standing Rachel seeks to penetrate before her involvement with Sam.

**Joanie**  
A curious and intelligent hospital fellow much younger than Toby, who becomes the object of his romantic interest but ultimately turns him down.

**Karen Cooper**  
A patient of Toby's with a rare liver disease, whose care becomes complicated by Toby's personal life, highlighting his professional and personal conflicts.

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